The Teaching & Learning Excellence Division (TLED), Distance Education, the Office of Energy & Sustainability, and other collaborators across Austin Community College (ACC) are offering several professional development events this fall semester. Be sure to mark these dates on your calendar!

TLED offers and promotes essential tools and resources that enable ACC faculty and staff to grow professionally and enhance their learning environment.

Academic Alert: Academic Alert is a feature of Inspire, a comprehensive student support system, that allows ACC faculty to easily and quickly communicate with students who need extra support.

Course Evaluation Calendar: ACC is required to conduct student evaluations for each course offered by the College for all semesters. The course evaluation calendar outlines when the course evaluation period starts and ends by type of session.

Coursera: New tool alert! Coursera is a free online learning platform available to all ACC students, faculty, and staff, offering industry-recognized certificates and skill-building courses from top universities and global companies.

Semester Prep: The semester prep web page lists the most relevant and helpful support information needed to assist ACC faculty in preparing for the upcoming semester.

TLED GAI Guide: This guide provides a starting point and guidelines for Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) within the context of teaching and learning. New Syllabus Policy Announcement: Starting this fall, all ACC course syllabi must include a Generative AI statement—Prohibited, Permitted, or Required. This policy ensures students understand your expectations for AI use in the classroom. View more here.

A Taste of Great Teaching – Save the Date!

  • Experience a preview of ACC’s Celebration of Great Teaching Retreat at A Taste of Great Teaching. This in-person event offers a glimpse into the retreat’s collaborative, seminar-style format—designed to inspire, renew, and connect faculty through the exchange of ideas, teaching practices, and shared experiences. Attendance is not required to apply for the full retreat in spring 2026.
    • Wednesday, December 3, from 12-1:30 p.m. at the Highland Campus (HLC).

Blackboard Ultra Fest 2.0 

  • Get ready for the next step in your Ultra journey! Join in for UltraFest 2.0, a week-long series of hands-on sessions designed to help you explore Blackboard Ultra and prepare your courses for the fall semester. Attend in-person at your campus and discover tips, tools, and strategies to make the transition smooth and engaging for your students.
    • Monday, August 18, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the San Gabriel Campus (SGC), ACCelerator: Zone 1100Z4A1 & 1100Z4A2 
    • Tuesday, August 19, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Hays Campus (HYS), Computer Lab 1218 & Room 1211
    • Wednesday, August 20, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Riverside Campus (RVS), Computer Lab RVSA 2221
    • Thursday, August 21, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Northridge Campus (NRG), NRG4 4262
    • Friday, August 22, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at HLC, ACCelerator: HLCA 1100Z4A1

Blackboard Ultra Training

  • ACC has upgraded from Blackboard Learn to Blackboard Ultra’s intuitive interface design, advanced features, and seamless integration, ensuring a more engaging and productive educational journey for faculty and students. Sign up for face-to-face and virtual training this semester.

Bring Your Own Lunch & Learn – Fall Webinar Series

  • Join us for our in-person only Bring Your Own Lunch & Learn sessions! Each session runs from 11:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m. and is offered at three campuses: SGC, HLC, and South Austin (SAC). These 30-minute sessions will provide practical, research-backed techniques that you can implement in your classroom right away. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with colleagues, share insights, and discuss real-world applications. These are in-person screenings of synchronous training sessions.
    • Using AI to Support Student Engagement: Wednesday, August 27 (live webinar)
      • Join us to learn (and share) how you can use AI to create better and more engaging activities for your students.
    • Graphic Organizer Showdown: Wednesday, September 10 (live webinar)
      • See top tools like Draw.io, CmapTools, yEd Live, and Google Drawings go head-to-head. Discover which platform fits your classroom needs with quick demos and practical tips.
    • Boo-tiful Tech Treats (No Tricks!) Wednesday, October 22 (live webinar)
      • Ready to skip the spooks and sink your teeth into some sweet tech treats? Join our annual fang-tastic Halloween webinar filled with great tools, clever tips, and spooky-smart ideas that are more treat than trick. It’s a scare-free zone – just boo-tiful ideas to enchant your students and impress your staff. Don’t ghost us… this session is a scream!
    • Falling in Love with Canva: Wednesday, November 19 (live webinar)
      • Join us to learn about fun and easy features in Canva to make resources for your classroom. From student activities to classroom decorations, you’ll fall in love with Canva once you see how easy it is.

Chips, Dips & Internships / Tips, Tricks & Internships Info Sessions – Share With Your Students!

  • Encourage your students to attend an upcoming Internship Information Session—either in person or online—to learn how ACC’s Internship Program works, which academic programs offer internships, registration requirements, and preparation tips. Students will also hear from current and former interns and discover the career services available to support them.
    • In-person: Wednesday, October 1, from 12-1:30 p.m.; HLC, Building 2000, Room 1550
    • Online via Zoom: Wednesday, October 1, from 7-8 p.m. and Friday, October 3, from 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Distance Education (DE) Fall Semester Offerings

    • This training equips faculty with the skills to make online courses accessible and inclusive for all students. Participants will learn to identify and remove barriers, ensuring equitable learning environments. Join to gain practical tools for creating welcoming and compliant distance education experiences.
      • Wednesdays on September 3, September 17, October 1, October 15, and November 5, from 12-1:30 p.m.
        • Blackboard Ultra Ally: Your friend in Accessibility: September 3 and November 5
        • Google Docs Accessibility: September 17
        • Microsoft Office Accessibility: October 1
        • Adobe PDF Accessibility: October 15
  • DE Faculty Consultations
    • Collaborate with DE Instructional Designers to finalize your spring courses with expert guidance on DE course design, providing valuable tips, strategies, and technological support.
      • Daily from Monday, August 18, to Friday, August 22, from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • DE Faculty Learning Community (FLC): AI in Practice: Advanced Applications in DE
    • The Distance & Alternative Education Office is offering an AI FLC designed to equip participants with skills in AI-powered content creation, course design, and ethical integration. Faculty will explore purposeful prompting, AI-generated media, AI tools for teaching, and strategies for developing AI-resilient courses.
      • Fridays on September 5, September 12, September 19, October 3, October 10, and October 17, from 12-1:30 p.m.
    • The 2025 DE Fall Institute: 8-Week Course Design and Teaching Strategies, sponsored by the Distance & Alternative Education Office, is designed to help faculty prepare for teaching 8-week course sections.
      • Monday, October 6-Thursday, October 23: Asynchronous Online Activities
      • Friday, October 24, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
      • Friday, October 31, from 9:30-1:30 p.m.
    • The 2025 DE Fall Institute: HyFlex Teaching and Learning, sponsored by the Distance & Alternative Education Office, is designed to help you prepare for teaching a HyFlex class.
      • Friday, November 14; AM Session: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; PM Session: 2-5 p.m.
    • The Distance & Alternative Education Office is offering an Inclusive Teaching FLC designed to equip educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively facilitate distance education while promoting inclusivity. 
      • Session 1 Option: Fridays on September 5, September 12, and September 19, from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
      • Session 2 Option: Fridays on November 14, November 21, and December 5, from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • DE Instructional Design Series Workshop
    • The DE Instructional Design Series offers one-hour online workshops designed to help faculty strengthen their online and hybrid teaching. Led by instructional designers and guest faculty, these sessions explore a variety of timely topics—such as student engagement, course quality standards, collaborative technologies, accessibility practices, and effective assessment design. Each workshop provides practical, ready-to-implement strategies to enhance teaching effectiveness and improve the student learning experience.
      • Fridays on September 12, October 10, and October 24, from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
        • Student Engagement Strategies: September 12
        • From Course to Certification: The Road to National QM Certification and Peer Review: October 10
        • Interactive Tools for Collaboration: October 24
  • Distance Learning Instruction Series (DLIS)
    • The Distance & Alternative Education Office is offering the DLIS to fulfill one of the training requirements for ACC distance learning instruction. Participants will explore ACC policies and practices for online teaching, course alignment, instructional technologies, universal design and accessibility, and best practices for structuring online courses.
      • Tuesdays on October 7, October 14, October 21, October 28, and November 4, from 12-1 p.m.
  • Online Course Redesign Academy (OCRA)
    • This is a two-part training to help ACC distance education courses meet Quality Matters standards: A) Learning to apply the Quality Matters Rubric (APPQMR) by attending this training, and B) Completion of the course (re)design, development, and QM Review Process with DE Instructional Designers.

Faculty Center for Learning Innovation (FCLI) GenAI Sandbox

  • The FCLI invites you to explore innovative ways to integrate Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) into your teaching. The Teaching With AI Sandbox Series offers a collaborative space where you can experiment with hands-on activities alongside colleagues, guided by an experienced facilitator. More details coming soon!

Library Services Events

  • Fire Academy Library Services AI Presentation 
    • Faculty in the Fire Protection Technology Department are invited to explore AI tools and library resources in this presentation on Tuesday, August 20, at the Fire Academy.
  • HYS Faculty Welcome Table – Meet Your Faculty Librarians! 
    • Stop by outside the 2nd-floor Faculty Suite on Tuesday, September 9, from 9–11 a.m. and 12–2 p.m. to meet your HYS librarians and learn how the library can support your courses and students.
  • HYS Faculty Librarian AMA: What Can the Library Do for You? 
    • Bring your questions and connect with HYS librarians to learn more about library resources, services, and support. Join us in Room 1132.04 on Wednesday, September 24, from 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
  • Round Rock Campus Learning Lab + Library Services Workshop Series – Share With Your Students!
    • Faculty are encouraged to share these workshops with students to enhance research and writing skills. Sessions include:
      • Understanding your Essay Assignment: Tuesday, September 23, from 3–4 p.m. & Wednesday, September 24, from 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
      • De-Mystify AI: Discover responsible uses of AI in Essays and Writing: Tuesday, October 21, from 3–4 p.m. & Wednesday, October 22, from 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
      • Finding Sources: Librarian-led guide to finding and evaluating quality sources for essays: Tuesday, November 18, from 3–4 p.m. & Wednesday, November 19, from 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
  • SAC AI Misinformation Table
    • During Student Life Spooky Spirit Days at SAC, Wednesday, October 29, and Thursday, October 30, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m., stop by the AI Misinformation table to learn how library resources can help faculty and students identify and evaluate accurate information.

Remote Recess Fall Sessions

UN Sustainable Development Goals at ACC

ACC Teaching and Leadership Excellence Award Nominations

  • Recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of your colleagues! All employees are invited to submit nominations for ACC’s prestigious awards: Teaching Excellence Awards, Leadership Awards, eFaculty, and the Daisy Award. Nominate your peers by Wednesday, October 1, to honor their dedication, innovation, and impact.

Asana Trainings

  • Asana users at ACC are invited to join us online for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Asana training sessions.
    • Beginner sessions:
      • Wednesday, September 3, from 1-2:30 p.m.
      • Monday, October 13, from 9-10:30 am 
      • Thursday, November 6, from 2-3:30 p.m. 
      • Friday, December 5, from 1-2:30 p.m. 
    • Intermediate sessions:
      • Tuesday, August 19, from 1-2:15 p.m.
      • Wednesday, September 10, from 1-2:15 p.m. 
      • Tuesday, October 21, from 9-10:15 a.m.
      • Thursday, November 20, from 2-3:15 p.m. 
      • Friday, December 12, from 1-2:15 p.m. 
    • Advanced sessions:
      • Wednesday, September 17, from 1-2:15 p.m.
      • Monday, October 27, from 9-10:15 a.m. 
      • Friday, November 21, from 2-3:15 p.m.
      • Tuesday, December 16, from 2-3:15 p.m.

Campus Sustainability Month

  • Celebrate Campus Sustainability Month this October with a series of events highlighting ACC’s sustainability initiatives. Activities will include demos and tours on energy and water conservation, solar power at ACC, transportation resources, and more. Stay tuned for the full event calendar and learn how you can get involved.

General Assembly 2025: Building a Culture of Love…Together

  • ACC’s signature employee event returns on Friday, September 26, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at HLC and online. Join colleagues to reflect on the past year, connect with peers, and refocus on ACC’s shared goals. Attendees will enjoy small-group watch parties (for in-person attendees), lunch from local food vendors (for in-person attendees), interactive breakout sessions, and a vibrant resource fair. All classes will be cancelled to allow full participation.
    • Registration is required for all employees. Complete the registration form to attend in person or virtually by Friday, September 12. Accessibility requests are due by Monday, September 8.

Join the Club! – Film Screening & Discussion

  • The Office of Experiential Learning invites you to a screening of Join or Die, a documentary directed by Rebecca Davis & Pete Davis, exploring the importance of civic engagement. The film follows social scientist Robert Putnam’s research on America’s decline in community connections and its impact on democracy. After the screening, join a discussion and learn how to get involved at ACC through student organizations, volunteer opportunities, and voting.
    • Thursday, September 4, from 4-8 p.m.; Eastview Campus (EVC), Building 8000, Room 8500
    • Thursday, September 11, from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; HLC, Building 2000, Room 1550

Library Services Events

  • EVC Library Welcome Wagon
    • Meet your library team and discover the resources and services available to support your teaching and research. Join us at the EVC Library on Monday, October 6, from 1–3 p.m. for a warm welcome and helpful introductions.
  • Elgin Campus (EGN) AI Meetup
    • Connect with colleagues to discuss emerging trends, teaching strategies, and practical applications of AI tools in the classroom. Join us at EGN on Wednesday, September 10; Monday, October 6; Thursday, November 6; and Tuesday, December 2.
  • HLC AI Symposium
    • Explore innovative applications of AI in teaching and learning at the HLC AI Symposium on Thursday, October 23, from 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m. 

Mini Development Day: Pathways of Possibility – Save the Date!

  • Step into a day of exploration, reflection, and innovation. Mini Development Day: Pathways of Possibility invites faculty and staff at ACC to imagine and shape new futures in teaching, learning, and student engagement. Save the date for this online event happening on Friday, October 24. More details to come.

Red Bench: Conversations that Matter

  • The Red Bench is a dialogue program designed to improve interfaith understanding and civil discourse in our society. Each session focuses on a challenging topic, inviting discussion from faith and non-faith traditions through moderated table conversations led by trained students in Dr. Kathy Frost’s psychology classes, the Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation Center, and Interfaith Action of Central Texas.
    • Tuesday, October 28, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; Rio Grande Campus, Building 3000, Room 3340
    • This semester’s topic of conversation is: “Joy”

Sabbatical Informational Sessions – Save the Dates!

  • Thinking about taking a sabbatical? Join us online to learn how this unique opportunity can enrich your teaching, research, and professional growth. Participants will hear an overview of the Sabbatical application, get tips for writing a strong proposal, discover insights from past recipients, and connect with ACC support teams and resources.
    • Session #1: Wednesday, October 15, from 12–1 p.m.
    • Session #2: Tuesday, November 4, from 2–3 p.m.

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View all of these events and more on our dedicated TLED Events Calendar. Be sure to follow TLED on social media for daily opportunities: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.